Japan has positioned itself as a strategic player globally as the second largest steel producer. Being an essential requirement for all infrastructural construction, the steel industry is closely linked with the development of the Japanese economy. The continuous surge of steel consumption in the automobile, energy, construction, and consumer goods sectors has significantly improved growth prospects of Japanese steel industry. However, the industry is facing some serious threats from the negative impact of the global economic crisis and increasing competition from its foreign counterparts.

Crude steel production in Japan recovered significantly in 2010 growing by around 25% against the previous year after witnessing a sharp decline in 2009. The growth observed in 2010 was due to the recovery of demand in domestic manufacturing industries and strong demand for high-grade steel from East Asia; thus pushing output above 109 Million Metric Tons. The country consumed more than 59% of total steel (of total import and domestic production) and exported around 46.6 Million Tons of steel in 2010.

At the steel trade front, evidence indicates expansion of both exports and imports in the country. Exports witnessed rapid growth due to the increasing steel consumption in major importing nations from Asian region, and the Middle Eastern region. Similarly, imports also surged on the back of economic recovery and witnessed almost parallel trend. Moreover, the rebuilding of infrastructure in the earthquake and tsunami stuck region of Japan is estimated to cost around US$ 180 Billion. A projected 10% of this reconstruction cost will be for steel. Reconstruction is expected to consume 30 Million Metric Tons of steel in the next two years.

“Japan Steel Industry Analysis” is an outcome of comprehensive research and unbiased analysis of Japanese steel industry and its various segments to present a clear picture of the past and present market trends. It evaluates the existing market opportunities in relation with the factors driving steel demand.

Additionally, the report has also presented projections for steel demand across different vertical industries to provide a rough idea about the direction, in which, the steel industry is likely to move in the future. The competitive landscape segment mainly focuses on key industry players and provides valuable information about their business description together with SWOT analysis.